Business group warns against complacency

March 11, 2005

While North Shore City's economy has many positive attributes today, future economic prosperity will be ensured by not resting on the laurels of past success. This was a key message from a focus group of Enterprise North Shore's (ENS) Board of Trustees, held recently.

The city's economy is in strong competition, not only with other New Zealand cities but also with cities within the Asia-Pacific region and across the world. This, says ENS chief executive officer, Terry Hoskins, is one of the main reasons against complacency.

"Our economy enjoys a wonderful natural environment, a great entrepreneurial community and proud, passionate people who are the basis of a quality workforce.

"To continue to be a prosperous international city, we must keep our game up in terms of effort and investment," he says.

The business focus group was part of the Your words...are your city's direction project currently being run by the North Shore City Council. The project's goal is to facilitate a 'conversation', and collect feedback on what people value about their city now, and the kind of city they want for the future.

The council's strategic development manager, Lesley Jenkins, says the so-called conversation will run through to the end of April and stresses that people need to participate to have their opinions recorded.

"We're happy with feedback received so far but I encourage everyone who hasn't had input to fill in a feedback form on the council website, send us an email or give us a call.

"We're reaching out to the widest possible audience and are starting to see the real strength of the project - its openness. By providing a 'blank sheet' we're encouraging people to think responsibly about what the future could hold for their families and communities," she says.

To find out more about Your words...are your city's direction people are invited to visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz, call 486 8600, email yourwords@northshorecity.govt.nz or ask at their local library, leisure centre or council office.

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